Temperanth's Hatching [73.13.21]

[Cait]

It took only seconds for Dav to realize that she was under the scrutiny of the clutch mother and she blushed, looking up at Temperanth with a sheepish smile, mouthing a single word: Sorry. There was no need to make up excuses; she’d been late, regardless of the reason and if she got a lecture or five after the Hatching, so be it. Her only hope was that her tardiness wouldn’t get her older brother in trouble. He’d stuck his neck out to bring her in for this hatching given the tension between the Hold and the Weyr. When the Ice finally looked away, Davquil turned her attention back to the clutch and finally seemed to notice the Chrome as he did his best to hide behind eggs.

Poor thing. She thought to herself. Must be shy. Can’t say I blame him though, with all these people around.

Though one less pair of eyes on him wasn’t likely to help, Dav quickly looked away and watched as a smaller egg—hardly fit for hiding behind—wiggled then something seemed to give and the young dragonet spilled forth onto the sands, her hide a mixture of dark and light reds as well as greys and browns. Dav smiled as the hatchling got to her feet and rand towards one of the already hatched dragonets; a bright blue with fluffy white splotchs on her. A Cloud. Of course the Cloud spotted her pursuer and a game of tag was underway on the sands.

Valenrik would love this. She mused as her eyes continued to scan the rest of the clutch, lighting upon the Wood dragonet briefly as she picked herself up and headed towards the gathered candidates. An Impression was made and the pair disappeared, though Dav couldn’t pay attention to them for too long as the pair of Sunlance dragons stalked down the line of candidates, seeming to inspect each one with far more patience that she would’ve expected from a young creature of any sort. Then again, it was an important decision that they were making; not one to be made in haste unless a dragon was absolutely certain.

Smiling, her eyes continued to wander, spotting yet another egg about ready to hatch, though it would seem that its neighbor was far more eager to enter the world. The egg burst, spilling a blue onto the sands, followed by an Aurora with gorgeous colors, hidden hear and there by egg shards and goop. Pressing her lips together so as not to giggle as the Aurora tried to clean himself, Dav averted her eyes and watched the Blue move towards the female candidates and followed its progress until finally she spotted yet another dragonet; one that was sharing the attention with the Chrome.

Sprawled on the sands and looking somewhere between confused and sullen, was a Purple, his belly flat against the sand. For a moment she wondered if something might be wrong with him. Maybe he’d been injured while hatching or he was somehow defective and couldn’t walk properly? Her smile faltered and she glanced around at the dragonriders; surely someone would do something if there was anything to be done…wouldn’t they? It was the sudden increase of thrumming in the cavern and the whispers around her that alerted her to a change in the status of the large egg near the mother. Blinking she glanced around, uncertain what the commotion was about until she finally spotted the large egg and tilted her head curiously, her braid sliding against her back, unruly, curling strands reacting to the heat of the sands.

[Kyralih]

We are so dead, the dark haired girl grimaced, one long-fingered hand touching her temple as she waited for Daeka to join her. The Hatching had only started minutes ago, but having lived in a Weyr and attended a handful of hatchings, the girl knew that “the Hatching only started minutes ago” was really more along the lines of “the Hatching started minutes ago”; such occasions usually over in mere minutes, the dragonets choosing their candidate in a short period of time and going off the sands immediately to eat. No doubt, by the time the pair of them actually arrived to stand at the sands, many of the dragonets would have already chosen and dispersed with their new partner.

Thumping feet raced up the passageway and Liera looked up to see Daeka running forward, carrying two sets of white robes, her blonde hair bouncing in its long plait as her blue eyes seemed to whirl with anxiety, nearly like a dragon’s. She forced back the fond smile that crept over her mouth and replaced it with a near scowl as she planted her fists firmly on her hips and called, “Where have you been? Everyone’s at Hatching!” she stated, the assumption being that Daeka had been talking to someone or another in the Lower Caverns, but with everyone at the Sands there was no one for the blonde to speak with.

Without answering, the huffing younger girl continued to run, grabbing Liera’s arm in passing and dashing out into the bowl and towards the sands, the cool outer air lashing against both their faces as they ran forward. Daeka let go of her as she struggled to throw the robe on over her clothing, Liera watching her like a hawk to make sure the occasionally-clumsy girl didn’t trip as she attempted the feat, but once her head had pulled through they both set to running towards the humming sounds emanating from the Sands. They didn’t slow their pace as they ran through the tunnel, their legs pumping right up until they broke through into the ginormous Hatching cavern.

There the pair of them skidded to a stop, their chests rising and falling quickly, trying to regain their breath, Daeka going so far as to bend over to rest her hands on her knees as she panted. Liera gazed determinedly around the room, looking for where they should stand as Candidates, pointedly ignoring any stares from the crowd that their entrance might have enticed. When she spotted the group of girls to one side, she took Daeka’s elbow and led the blonde slowly to stand with the others, taking deeper breaths to steady herself; not quite daring yet to gaze at the dragonets that waddled on the sands.

Her heart pounded, more now for the excitement of the occasion than the race across the grounds of Ice Stone Weyr. She glanced over at Daeka, who was slowly straightening, and smiled: finally, it was their chance. The blonde smiled back, her response softer, her eyes reserved. Liera reached over and took her hand, squeezing once to give the girl strength, and then dropped it to look out onto the grounds of the Hatching Sands.

[Shoki]

One of the eggs decided, up out of nowhere, it was time to hatch. It hadn't really moved up until that point, but then the dragonet inside just pushed the egg open and let his head out. The Aurora dragonet looked outside, eyes whirling with excitement. Oh there was a lot to go and do! The egg flopped forward as he tried to escape to look at the candidates, before he realized that he was trapped. The head disappeared for a moment before the egg cracked open, releasing the dragonet on the sands. He was knit together with blues and greens, all melting together in a eye catching way. Having released himself he darted over to the male candidates. Maybe there was a person for him this way.

As the Aurora left to look at the candidates, his similarly colored brother remained displeased with his appearance. It seemed like it would take time until he was ready to look at candidates. Even worse, the Cloud and Brick came racing by him, kicking up sand which got all over him. Now he had to clean that off! He watched them go with some displeasure, continuing to dust himself off. This was going to take forever. As for his sisters, it appeared neither the Cloud nor the Brick was willing to give up their game to look at candidates. It meant that things would be spastic for a while.

The Blue dragonet looked like he had it all figured out. He strode over to his rider, and impressed them. Easy, just find yours and head off the sand. Nothing too complicated there. The two Sunlances were not as convinced, as they started over to the female candidates. Suddenly the male Sunlance ran over to the females and sat in front of Deaka. Oh, DeakaLove, I could not find you. Where were you? Your Lansteth had to wait for a while. It does not matter though, I have you now and you have me. The Sunlance stood in front of his, beaming with pride.

The other Sunlance looked on as her brother impressed, happy for him. She was about to go on when she spied her double-colored brother, still sitting in the sand, un willing to move. She walked over and gave him a nudge, which he didn't seem to notice. She tried again, which made the Purple-Gray stare at her. She attempted to push him toward the candidates, which he didn't want to do. Until his gaze caught the female candidates. He sat up and stared at them. The Sunlance noticed this and waited to see what would happen. He continued staring, and she decided it was the best she could hope for, so she decided to go look over the female candidates again. The two toned dragon just looked over the female candidates from a distance, sitting up as he stared.

The Chrome watched the large egg. He had to be patient. He could hardly go up to the egg and try to get whatever was inside to hatch early. It would draw attention. So he waited, continuing to observe. The egg was still of a mind to move, but it was only gradually moving to hatch. The Chrome was so focused that he didn't notice the egg behind him hatch, a Brown dragonet being released. The Brown looked around to see what was what, then promptly trotted over to the male candidates. He didn't know he had left his Chrome brother without cover. He didn't even notice the other dragonets or the large egg growing close to hatching. He just knew his was here somewhere.


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Sunlance (m)Lansteth (Lan -steh-th)
About: This Sunlance is ever the encourager. He wants his to do their best and believes that by helping achieve his rider's goals he will be the happiest dragon. He will go very far out of his way to see his mine's goals accomplished. This dragon just needs a project. Lansteth just won't be happy unless he has something to do.
Adult length: 26 feet
Hex: ece990

[Cait]

Watching the Purple—not seeming to notice the dual tonality of its color—Davquil was startled by the sudden and rather abrupt hatching of another egg and turned her head to observe it. The sight that greeted her eyes pulled an indelicate snort from her followed by an insuppressible giggle. There was a dragonet with its head sticking out the side of an egg; its head and nothing else. Lifting a hand to try and smother her giggles, her dark eyes twinkling, she sucked in her lips and looked away as the head ducked back into the egg. The egg shattered and the dragonet the spilled out was yet another Aurora covered in a mixture of blues and greens that was really quite lovely. As he marched over the male candidates, Dav’s giggles faded as her attention was drawn now to the Blue who had seemed to find what he was looking for. The smile returning to her lips, she bounced on the balls of her feet, never quite seeming to hold still.

Dark eyes scanned the crowd briefly until she finally found her brother. He was too far away to determine his expression entirely but it seemed tense, which was odd. Dav’s cheery personality was a common trait amongst her family though she seemed to be the most congenial of the lot; especially when it came to patience. Attempted to figure out what he was frowning about she tilted her head and lifted a hand, drawing a line in the air to trace the trajectory of his gaze. Following the finger with her eyes, she blinked when she found herself pointing at the Chrome and was even more perplexed when she saw that it was staring intently at the large egg.

True the color was one that was once known only to Dark Mists Weyr—something D’vill had told her, however, she couldn’t imagine that it meant anything sinister. He seemed rather shy, in fact. Shrugging her shoulders, she let her hand drop and watched as a brown dragonet burst forth from an egg behind the Chrome, further revealing it to the keen eyes of the crowd.

”I wonder, I wonder…” She muttered as she turned her attention back to the Chrome. It was rather peculiar how much attention he paid to the larger egg. Maybe that was what had her brother frowning.

[Lark]

We're about to blow up the Weyr.

A'mir stared at the Silverlight, his eyebrows raised as he sent a quizzical thought back to her in response. What could she possibly be meaning? The dragonet was fixated on something among the stands, not the boy who had helped them escape anymore, but something closer to Temperath. What is it Sayurith?

I do not know.....but I doubt our home will welcome it with open arms. Nothing good comes of an ill omen looking toward a shaking egg. Especially when it is a large egg. I do believe the radical change we've been waiting for is about to hit. Thus, we are about to blow up the Weyr with revolution.

A'mir looked again from the black and silver dragonet to the sands, moving his eyes between the two a few times. Whatever you say sweetheart.

[Terayne]

S'lieze had noticed the Chrome's concentration, and a frown touched his lips as he followed the dragonet's gaze. The large egg near the Ice Queen was shaking, and he suddenly recalled that only an Ice could birth a Silverlight. His own Lady had been born of a union between an Ice and a Crimson, and he tensed unconsciously, worrying his lower lip. This couldn't be good, he thought...

Diamond had her head cocked faintly, just watching all of the dragonets. Her attention never strayed too far from the Chrome though, so she noticed the instant he went to attention, much like one of her father's sled-hounds, she thought with a twinge of amusement. That faded though as she followed his gaze, and her head cocked even farther, the motion becoming more noticable. Do be careful child. You'll break your neck. The amused and yet stern voice in her head belonged to her sister's Rainbow, who had spoken to her before, so she knew her voice, and glanced up at her, playfully sticking her tongue out at her. The Rainbow rumbled softly in amusement at her action, as she'd intended, and Diamond focused again on the Hatching, though her attention had now been caught by the Chrome's attention, and was split mainly between him and that egg that so intrigued him. Why?

[Kyralih]

She was apprehensive. It wasn’t like her to be apprehensive, not on a Hatching Day, of all days, but she was conflicted. Being a Dragon Rider was her dream since childhood! To be one with a dragon, to go on adventures together and save the weak… it was always her dream, since she was little, but ever since she and Liera transferred to Ice Stone Weyr, she wondered if she would be better suited to being partnered with a LifeWing, and serve to heal people… she loved talking and helping, she loved being with people, and the birds were fascinating.

That was why she had been late to the Sands that day. She had been trying to decide whether or not to retract her candidacy in favor of asking to help out with the LifeWing side of the Weyr when the Hatching humming had begun. At that moment, as people excitedly rushed about, getting ready for the Impressions and the following feast, leaving as quickly as they could to get a seat. The candidates disappeared immediately, finding their white robes and heading to the sands, and she had stood there, frozen in indecision.

… and she wondered, if she were indecisive, did she deserve to stand on the sands at all?


So she hung back, deciding to wait out the Hatching. She would rejoin everyone at the feast afterwards, defend herself against the wrath of the Candidate Master and request a transfer to the LifeWing Candidates. She nodded her head to herself, at no one, for her decision. It was what was right. She glanced around the female candidate bathroom in silence, the decision still warring within, like a sour taste in a sweet drink. This was what was right, right? Yes. She’d then go to the feast later and she’d meet everyone again and their dragonets and – Liera. Liera! Daeka rushed out of the restroom and into the Candidate storage room, grabbed a white robe, and dashed as best she could out of the maze of cool tunnels out towards the Weyrbowl, pushing off against the sides of the tunnel to keep her momentum. Her plan would have been a good one if she didn’t know from experience that Liera wouldn’t have left without her. She’d be waiting, refusing to go without her, and then she’d be responsible for Liera not having the chance to Impress, and she couldn’t bear that! Liera deserved every chance! Everything! So she met her best friend and pulled her along, ignoring her question as they raced across the freezing bowl and into the Hatching Caverns.

They skidded to a stop in the sands and she dropped, panting heavily as she tried to regain her breath. They were there, she was dressed in whites so Liera wouldn’t question anything, and she let her friend lead her as she always did. She was still trying to recover her breath when they stopped, but Liera’s hand on hers only seemed to make her even more anxious than before. She didn’t know what she wanted anymore, and yet here she was…

Liera looked away over the sands, and Daeka wished her the best of luck. She looked down at her robe, still breathing deeply after the quick trip, and heard the sand parting to let a body meander through in the immediate area around her. She smiled, knowing someone was Impressing, finally meeting their lifemate, their Chosen, and wondered what it felt---

The head of a beautiful little Sunlance dragon poked into view, his eyes whirling blue with mixed excitement and longing as they looked straight at her. The rest of the world dropped away when her eyes met his, her mind whirling and falling: nothing else existed, just she and this wonderful little creature. She was complete now, complete when before she never dreamed of needing anything else to complete herself. How wrong she had been! Her whole life, everything, had led her to this place and time, to meet her dragon, and for him to meet her! “~Oh, DaekaLove, I could not find you. Where were you? Your Lansteth had to wait for a while. It does not matter though, I have you now and you have me.”[/i]~

The world came back as a smile ripped across her face suddenly, a laugh catching in her throat once before releasing in a burst of joy. She dropped to her knees in the hot sands, bending to be eye-level with him, her beautiful Lansteth, and reached out to put her hands on either side of his face in a warm embrace, staring into his beautiful eyes and hoping he knew how happy he made her. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry for being late! I was… well it doesn’t matter anymore! You have me, and I have you!” Lansteth crooned adoringly, but his eyes were whirling from blue to the red of intense hunger. She laughed again and stood, “Let’s go get something to eat!”

They turned, and at the last moment Daeka turned to Liera, who was looking at her with nothing but support, smiling broadly. “Congratulations, you two!” she said with a smile.

Daeka stepped towards her, grasped her hands tightly with excitement, and wished her good luck before turning and the two of them, Sunlance Lansteth and his Chosen Daeka, walked out of the sands for his first meal, the girl never again wondering about her choice.

[Void]

Sk'ar and Verith watched the Hatching with excitement at everything that was going on. Hatching's were always such a chaotic event, but filled with happiness as pairs became one as lifemates. Verith rumbled in amusement. Something has caught this ones eye. Meaning the little Aurora that had taken off across the sands right to, Era! Sk'ar whooped and Verith sent a bugle of congratulations as impression was made.

The little one seemed to be inquisitive about her scarf.

Then they are a perfect match for each other that will result in them getting into horrendous amounts of trouble. And I thought Era was hard to keep track of and out of situations her curiosity got her into. Now there are two, togather...

Our lives have indeed become more interesting.

Sk'ar sent a mental agreement and waved back at Era enthusiastically as she walked off the sands with her bonded.

[Zane]

The humming of the other dragons, including the Ice Queen, was not what alerted Varketh and His. What alerted the pair was the Ice’s announcement to her mate. The crimson, who had proudly fathered the clutch now upon the sands, was quick to exit the weyr onto the ledge. He looked about, head held high like a true King. The new Jr. Weyrleader, however, was a bit slower to get out of bed. He sat up groggily, muttering something about getting a good night’s rest.

You would miss our clutch? Varketh spoke, more than a hint of irritation in his voice. X’kel sprung out of bed with a newfound energy, shaking his head once he was upon his feet. Wouldn’t happen big fella, he sent back to his dragon, gathering the first pair of clothes he saw sitting in the pile. Give me a quick moment and then we can go together, the crimsonrider assured the restless creature. Varketh continued to look out over the Weyr whilst His got ready. He wished he’d hurry, for the last thing the crimson wanted was to miss the hatching of his young.

X’kel was soon ready, not finding it at all necessary to secure riding straps to Varketh. Instead, he hoisted himself on up the great crimson’s back, and leaned forward as the Ice Queen’s mate dove from the ledge. Permitting himself to fall a few feet before the pick-up, all X’kel could do was laugh heartily. ”Always got to be the show-off,” he pointed out. ”Good job,” he quickly added, always feeling more than justified in praising his dragon.

They were soon upon the sands, and not a minute too late, or too soon. Varketh landed not far off from his queen, crooning lovingly to her as he observed the fine clutch she’d laid. They’re perfect, he announced, the pride in his voice unmistakable.

”Hedara,” X’kel greeted his fellow junior. He couldn’t deny that he found her to be unpleasantly icy, but they didn’t have to necessarily get along now did they? And yes, he'd picked up on the pun. ”I’m sure the candidates will be along promptly,” he encouraged her, more to ease her dragon’s potential fears over hers. He pulled at his clothing, smoothing out some of the wrinkles in his shirt. He wasn’t the type to be overly concerned about appearances, thinking himself more than handsome enough anyhow!

As the eggs began to hatch, one by one, Varketh looked on, rumbling encouragingly to the dragonets. He hoped that they would choose well. He had faith that they would, but even so, as father of the clutch he was rightly concerned. He turned his wedge-shaped head to his mate, looking to her for reassurance. He would support her, whenever she needed him he’d be there.

~*~

Tikra hadn’t meant to be late, but she was! This was absolutely ridiculous, what if she’d missed the majority of the hatching and now didn’t impress because of it? Surely her dragonet would have the sense to wait, wouldn’t it? Sharding beasts and their lack of overall intelligence. No… she didn’t really think that, otherwise she wouldn’t be here, now. She threw on her candidates robes, fussing with her appearance for only a mere moment or two. It hardly mattered; this wasn’t a beauty contest for the dragonets. She smirked at herself in the looking glass, chuckling to herself in a rather worrisome manner. ”I’ll impress,” she told herself, her smirk turning into a sneer. Turning to flee from the barracks, Tikra ran down the hall as fast as her legs would carry her. Her heart was thudding in her chest as her mind raced, raced over how whatever dragonet she impressed today would either give her the power to conquer or no. She would eventually conquer these people, over time, and with patience. And if not here, then some other pathetic little Weyr that wouldn’t at all see it coming. She’d have followers, of that she was sure of. Not everyone agreed with how the weyrwoman’s ran the Weyr, she was sure of that. There were always the stragglers, and troublemakers, and she’d do her sharding best to seek them out.

Feet finally hitting the warm sands as she burst out of the hatching cavern, she took a quick sweep of the place, not at all caring about what the Ice Queen thought of her tardiness. Everyone else could just as well suck it and make do. They were all focused on their own impressions, were they not? So, then they could stay that way, focusing on themselves, lest they bring an unfortunate accident about…

Tikra glared at each and every person whose gaze lingered upon her for even so much as a millisecond. One would think that at any moment she’d start growling, her narrowed eyes giving fair warning that she meant business. The peculiar smirk on her face was just about enough to put anyone off anyhow. She joined the other female candidates, aggressively finding her way to the front by shoving aside whomever she had to. She spotted the Chrome at first, scoffing as the creature hid.
”Pathetic…” was the first word she uttered, followed shortly by a curious and drug out ‘hm,’ regarding the Purple-gray. She noted the color tones, though decided that predominantly it was, most certainly, a Purple.

Then she saw it, out of the corner of her eye since it was being moved about, the larger egg. The rest of the dragonets were no longer paid any heed by her. She regarded the Ice Queen with little respect, or care, focused solely on the largest egg of her clutch. That’s what she needed to put everyone in their place, to put the whole Weyr, someday, in its place. That’s what she needed to walk out of here with, but what was inside? Surely it would hatch soon, what with how heavily it was being guarded and mothered. Hatch, for Faranth’s sake, she hissed, her thoughts remaining private. Her steady gaze was unnerving.

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

Tivax was distracted from the “inspection by Sunlances” by the sight of a dragonet’s head popping straight out of an unmoving egg. The Aurora, for Aurora it was, all knit of blues and greens, was heading closer. Tivax devoted a part of his attention to watching it, and a part of his attention to attempting to pass the inspection by the Sunlance dragonets. It was with a suppressed sigh that he watched the two Sunlances leave, apparently having decided that the female Candidates were more interesting.

You’re fine, he told himself. Not even half of the eggs have Hatched yet. He glanced up ahead of the Sunlances, trying to catch Davquil’s eyes with a smile, then returned his attention to the eggs. The largest was still shaking, still being watched by the steely silver and rust colored dragonet. One of the Sunlances had Impressed, or at least, Tivax thought it likely, for there had been a round of applause and now the other Sunlance was over by the two-toned little Purple. The Cloud and his/her mostly red sibling were still engaged in a game of tag, and they nearly sideswiped the other Aurora who was on the Sands. Tivax swung his gaze back to the eggs, only to have his gaze fasten on a Brown. There were so many dragonets!

——
There were so many dragonets! Tamaruk, upon whom Rallin had finally prevailed to actually sit on the seat instead of leaning against the railing, didn’t know where to look. There was an Aurora there, and another Aurora just hatching over there, and the Chrome, and the Purple-Grey, and the mandatory applause when one Sunlance and the Blue Impressed, and then there was a Brown over by the eggs, and… There was so much to see, so much to take in. Tamaruk had quite forgotten that normally when there were this many people around he would have hidden in Rallin’s jacket until they were gone. There were dragons! Dragons were amazing and awesome, and well, dragonish!

“Why do dragons have to Impress?” Tamaruk asked suddenly, looking over at Kyuuki.

[Kyralih]

Liera was still watching the cavern entrance, looking after Daeka and the little dragon that had chosen her, when another late female candidate ran in aggressively, her face set in a scowl as she surveyed the hatching sands. Tikra she identified with no small hint of distaste, watching closely that the tardy young woman left her friend alone, ready to dash over and teach her a thing or two if that were not the case. She had only come across the girl a short time ago, but already she disliked her; Daeka might be quick to forgive harsh words, but not she. As hard brown eyes swept over her, pausing in a challenging glare, Liera stoically glared right back, daring the young woman to make a move towards her.

Whether she had recognized the challenge or not, Tikra ignored her, her face turned up in a smirk as she pressed forward, breaking into the ranks of the other waiting female candidates to get nearer to the front, in better view of the hatchlings. While Liera didn’t mind her treatment of the other girls – who were they to her? – the half-Igen girl pressed forward nonetheless, not caring one bit for the intensity with which the other girl regarded the largest egg. The last thing she needed was stuck-up aggressive Tikra to become a Queen rider and lord over everyone, eating girls like Daeka and her new little dragon for breakfast.

Only moderately more polite than her chosen nemesis for Daeka’s sake, Liera tapped on shoulders to press through until she stood next to the girl. They were of the same height, she noticed offhandedly as she stared with just as much intent out over the sands at the largest egg, willing the creature inside to choose anyone but the girl beside her. “Afternoon, Tikra,” she greeted, her words more a verbal challenge than anything, hoping to distract the girl from the slightly wavering large egg. “A little late, are we?”

[Shoki]

Hedara had looked up when X'kel and Varketh arrived. She had nodded quietly, but there was a serious worry on her mind, at it was sneaking out of her face. The candidates, she was sure would be fine. But the rest... She didn't know. Temperanth was much more reassured by Varketh. She had given Varketh a pleased look then went back to looking over her eggs.

---

Kyuuki watch watching the hatching earnestly when Tamaruk asked her a question. What a complicated question. Still, she had to do her best to try and answer it for him.

"It's like they know they need someone. Someone to walk beside, to share in experiences. Only, that's when they impress a human. If there are no humans to impress, they have to look at themselves in the ice and tell themselves that they will be alright alone. Or, uh, something. We healers try to figure it out, but it might have to do with the nature of the dragon's abilities to speak to others. You know, in their head." Obviously it was something Kyuuki had thought about. She couldn't even touch on why Lifewings had a different sort of bond. She couldn't say it was less strong, but Lifewings had watched their partners die, and had mourned and moved on. She just didn't know sometimes.

---

The Brown dragonet was off the sands quick. He found what he was looking for and went to get some food. He was not going to be properly on the sands for the events that followed. The most simple of which included his confused sibling still on the sands.

The Purple-Gray was still staring at the female candidates. There was something there among the candidates, and deep inside him. What was it? He stepped forward, being drawn to whatever it was. A few steps later he started running, impossible to resist it any longer. He was excited! He was excited and happy and oh he wanted to be over there! The was the most enthusiasm that had yet been seen from the dragonet and he used it to go straight up to Davquil and rub his head against her leg. DavquilMine, you hold happiness. Did you know that? Niekolgoth could tell. See? You made me happy! He was happy, and even if things confused him in the future, he had a rider to help him through.

The Cloud and Brick had continued their chase, but their aqua and pink brother was starting to sneak over to the candidates. He was clean, which he was happy with, but now he had to stay that way. He had an almost dignified bearing as he strolled over to the female candidates. Along the way his blue and green brother arrived to look with him. However, this pair was unlike the Sunlances, and they wanted to make sure they could get to theirs first. So they started to run. However, they stopped with the sound of a large crack forming in the largest egg. The Cloud and Brick slowed down and came to a stop, trying to figure out what the excitement was about. The Sunlance looked up, sitting down to take a look. The Chrome adjusted himself and continued watching the egg. It had a large crack in it, and it only got more spiderweb patterns in it as the dragonet inside it moved. The audience held their breath, to see what would hatch out of the large egg. The egg was saturated with cracks, and all it took was one great push. The egg broke into a thousand tiny pieces as the dragonet emerged, a black dragonet, with a shine of silver. A Silverlight. The moment the Silverlight appeared, the Chrome dashed to the male candidates. This was about the only thing that could take eyes off him so that he could impress quietly. Lucky he had known where his was from the moment he had hatched. T'vax, Mine, quick, we must get off the sands. The eyes will be back on us quickly. Slinesteth would like to be away before then. He was urgent, but there was no denying, he was happy to finally be with his.

Hedara bit her lip. This was what she had feared. Her hands balled up into fists. She had to do her best here, but these dragonets were going to cause a stir, no matter what happened. She just prayed nothing worse came from it. She looked at Temperanth, who looked down on the dragonet with love, and a touch of sadness.

Things will be hard for this one. We will protect him, won't we Hedara? Hedara frowned. Weird for Temperanth to slip up on the gender pronoun of her own child. However, Tenperanth turned to face Hedara, and Hedara's jaw dropped. No, she had not made a mistake. Hedara leaned forward to get a better look at the Silverlight. He was looking around him at the eyes glued to him. A male Silverlight. She couldn't believe it. She wondered what would come of the debate now, but in the pit of her stomach, she couldn't hope that this would change anything for the better. Still, she nodded very quietly in response to Temperanth's question. She would protect him.


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Purple-Gray (m) Niekolgoth (Ni- eh - kol- goth)
About: This odd dragon seems to have a hard time balancing his feelings. He got the energy that most purple dragons have, but he needs his rider to give him support, otherwise he bolts away for a sulk. Frustration comes to him easily and he actually likes arguing. This is less because he doesn't like people and more the way he likes getting to know people. He doesn't understand when people take arguments to heart, as he accepts people have different views when it is all over. It's not easy to change his mind on things, if only because he feels it's more about learning the views then forcing others to take yours.
Adult Length: 26 feet
Hex: 9f1c85, 777070


Chrome Slinesteth (Sli -nest- teth)
About: Slinesteth hates being in the spotlight. He isn't shy but he would much rather be unnoticed by just about everyone other than his. This chrome is a schemer, and he thinks that if he is noticed then his schemes won't work properly. Oddly enough he reads people and dragons well, and has a knack for figuring out how they will react to different scenarios. It gives him both good combat instinct, and good instinct for politics. Still, he needs someone to benefit from his plans, otherwise what good are they? Slinesteth certainly won't step forward to take the prize, that would just draw attention...
Adult length: 32 feet
Hex: a4a4a4, 681717

[Ghost of Fire (Fëanáro)]

The two-toned dragonet started towards the girls, and Tivax glanced over just in time to see Davquil and the dragonet looking at each other. He had to swallow an urge to whoop, but at least he could allow himself to smile.

Suddenly, it seemed as though all motion ceased, and even the dragonets turned towards the eggs. His eyes inexorably pulled along, Tivax stared. The largest egg was Hatching! The egg exploded into pieces, and Tivax could just stare at the dragonet that emerged. A Silverlight! The source of political turmoil and a great many fist-fights. So caught up was Tivax in the appearance of the Silverlight that he failed to notice the silver-steel-rust dragonet barreling across the Sands toward him until it was literally right in front of him. Startled by its sudden appearance, Tivax looked down and met its eyes.

T’vax, Mine, quick, we must get off the sands. The eyes will be back on us quickly. Slinesteth would like to be away before then.

For a moment of perfect balance, Tivax, now T’vax, could not move. He wanted people to notice his Impression; at least, he wanted his friends to notice, but at the same time, he remembered the feeling of dislike when Slinesteth had first hatched, and couldn’t help agreeing with the little guy. Somewhere in the back of his mind was the thought that this was going to make both his and Slinesteth’s lives even harder, but he pushed the thought away and made for the table that had the meat for the dragonets.

I hope you don’t mind, but what color are you? T’vax inquired of Slinesteth as they made their way over to the food.

Chrome, Slinesteth replied. He glanced around, but the attention and notice was still directed towards his Silverlight brother. As they drew near the tables Slinesteth slowed, trying to step around so that he was behind T’vax.

They are watching, Slinesteth complained. He was hungry, and they were watching.

Try ignoring them, T’vax suggested, rubbing one of Slinesteth’s eyeridges as he grabbed one of the bowls of meat.

Can we go over there, Mine-T’vax? Slinesteth asked, spotting an empty corner out of sight of the sands. He was hungry, but he didn’t want all of these others to watch him when he ate.

T’vax smiled. For this, his Slinesteth, the best-looking dragon there was, he’d do anything. Of course we can, he responded, leading the way to the corner and setting the bowl down Slinesteth to devourer. Sitting down next to the dragonet, T’vax grinned. Life was, in that moment, perfect and timeless. No matter what came before or would come after, this moment would remain, forever wondrous.

[Cait]

There was really almost too much to watch; well not almost, there was too much to watch. Still, Davquil tried her best to follow each and every hatchling until she was very nearly dizzy from it all. This Brown went to that candidate, the clutch’s father arrived and…the purple moved! Boy was he ever moving! Dav watched as he picked up the pace, moving towards the female candidates only to have him slip out of sight as he neared. Peeking around one of the taller candidates, the girl reached up to tuck a rebellious curl behind her ear and was surprised when several of the other girls hurriedly shifted out of the way with exclamations.

Dark eyes went wide and she watched as the previously lethargic hatchling bounced up to her with untold enthusiasm and of all things, began to rub his head against her leg like a feline. Startled and more than a little speechless, Dav glanced around not quite sure if what she thought was happening was actually happening…that was until she heard the voice. It was a high tenor and vaguely sing-song-ish.

DavquilMine, you hold happiness. Did you know that? Niekolgoth could tell. See? You made me happy!

Almost in slow motion, a massive grin tugged at Dav’s lips and a delighted bought of laughter bubbled up and out, joining the cacophony of the Hatching. The look of pure delight on her face was reflected in her eyes as she dropped to her knees and grabbed the Purple on either side of his head then startled him by placing a big, noisy kiss on his nose. This close she could see what others had already noticed; he wasn’t just a normal Purple but rather it would seem that he was an amalgamation of Purple and Gray which would explain his earlier behavior. Regardless of his strange, contradictory behavior, to Dav he was beautiful; perfect even! ”Don’t be silly, love. You’re the one that holds the happiness.”

Winking at the young dragonet, Dav laughed once more when Niekolgoth stared at her, one eye partially squinted. The two hovered there, dragon skeptical yet at the same time very certain and young girl giddy and struggling to contain it. This was hardly the time to bounce around shouting; it wouldn’t do to startle any of the remaining hatchlings. Still, it was going to have to come out sometime and she imagined that when it did she’d get more than a few strange looks. Finally pushing up and off the sands, Dav dusted off her knees and was about to guide Niekolgoth across the hatching sands towards the feeding station when an uproarious outburst drowned out the sound of an egg hatching.

Blinking several times, suddenly very aware of the Purple-Gray pressing against her leg, Davquil looked back towards the clutch just in time to see the Chrome dash towards the male candidates. However, it wasn’t the Chrome that had her attention, but the dragonet that had come from the larger egg. It was another Silverlight. While she knew that those dragons had been causing quite a bit of drama within the weyr and without as well, she was of the firm opinion that dragons knew best. There were no mistakes when it came to choosing a bond. Shaking her head slightly she looked down at Niekolgoth and smiled. ”Isn’t that right, love? You know what you’re doing. Just as you have a reason for choosing a girl, so too do the Silverlights for choosing boys.”

Niekolgoth just stared up at her then blinked once, his eyes becoming more red than not. That sparked a memory from lessons and Davquil mentally scolded herself for babbling away while the poor dear starved. Touching her fingertips lightly to the dragonet’s neck she turned from the clutch—let the others worry about the Silverlight, she had her lifemate—and headed towards the feeding station. Grabbing a bucket filled to the brim with a bloody mess, Dav began to lead Niekolgoth away from the others only to spot a familiar head of pale hair…with the large, shy dragon that had been staring at the Silverlight’s egg.

Her excitement finally broke loose and Davquil let out a crow of delight, silently urging the Purple-Gray to follow as she ran towards the pair in the corner as best she could with a bowl of runny, bloody meat. Of course, hungry as he was and still riding his burst of excitement, Niekolgoth waddled along behind Dav until the two skidded and skipped to a halt near Tivax—T’vax now she supposed—and his dragon.

”We did it! We both Impressed!” She squealed even as she plopped down in the cooler sand and shoved her hand into the bowl of meat without thinking. Blinking she looked down then wrinkled her nose as she lifted her hand and watched the blood drip from it. Shaking her head she turned her attention back to Niekolgoth and grabbed a glob of meat and tossed it, laughing when the Purple-Gray obligingly caught it and tipped his head back to swallow it whole.

Oh! This is tasty! I can have more, right? Who is that with my brother? Niekolgoth opened his mouth again, the gray tip of his tail twitching as he waited for more meat, one eye slightly squinted as he peered over Dav’s head at T’vax and his much larger brother.

”Of course you can have more, silly. We’ve got to fatten you up if you’re going to get big and strong.” Nose still wrinkled, Dav grabbed another glob of meat and tossed it into the dragonet’s mouth before twisting at the waist to look behind her for a moment, peering at the Chrome curiously before turning her attention back to her own dragonet. ”That’s Tivax…though I suppose he’s T’vax now. He’s my friend; you’ll like him.” At least she fervently hoped that Niekolgoth would. He was the first actual friend she’d made at the Weyr for all that she was the congenial sort. Of course thinking of him as her friend reminded her of Barenda. Oh the stories she was going to have for her best friend! So much for marrying a dashing dragonrider; she’d become one. The thought brought a grin to her face once more as she fed Niekolgoth another piece of meat, continuing to provide meat every time he opened his mouth.

[Lark]

It was not what the dragonet had imagined, however the surprise and events she had predicted would no doubt play out the same. If Sayurith could raise her own eyeridges, she would have, but for now she just stated at the hatchling that looked so much like herself. We are not the same... Her words dawned on A'mir who had sat frozen to his seat, terror in his eyes. What...what do you mean? The dragonet hissed low in her throat, her gaze never leaving the first male of her color. He is no Queen, he is a King. Do you think the fighting will end now? Surely those against us will never agree that my kind are royal now. Or, do you think it only begins?

The dragonet nudged Hers when A'mir could only shake his head. He didn't know what this all meant. He could only wait and see. Come. I wish to greet my brother when he impresses. We must go to the sands now.